5 Bad Breastfeeding Habits You Should Consider Dropping

Before you became a mom, you may have thought that breastfeeding was intuitive. You may have even thought it was easy. But if you've ever actually tried to nurse, you know that is not always the case. It can take a lot of practice and patience to get into a good breastfeeding groove with your baby. And while trying to get the hang of things, you may be willing to try just about anything to make the process easier. But not everything you do is good for you and your baby. There are some bad breastfeeding habits you should consider dropping.

Things like nursing your baby to sleep or taking her off the breast before she's had enough to eat may seem like small things, but they can have a negative effect on your baby's mood and ability to sleep. And while we're on the subject of sleep, it's important to limit the amount of caffeine you consume while you nurse — even if you don't think you could keep your eyes open without it.

It may seem tough now, but dropping at least one of these bad nursing habits can help you and your baby in the long run.

1Nursing Baby Sleep

It may be easy for you to stick your boob in your baby's mouth to get him to fall asleep, but nursing your baby to sleep can lead to sleep problems down the road if you're not careful, according to Baby Center. If you get into the habit of nursing your baby down at night, he'll always depend on your milk to fall asleep when he wakes up during the night.

4Feeling Ashamed

As a nursing mom, you will find yourself in some situations that will require more discretion than others. But you should never be embarrassed to nurse your baby. You are doing a very important job for your little one, which should make you incredibly proud.